Sierra Leone’s Foreign Minister , Dr. Samura Kamara, yesterday addressed the UN Security Council Reform intergovernmental negotiations as the African Union turns on the heat in her quest to gain permanent seats and use of the Veto in the Security Council.
Dr. Kamara’s historic appearance at the IGN , his participation and the fact that he delivered a statement ( Usually done by the Permanent Representative ) sent a very strong message that Africa has become more robust in canvassing support and in the promotion and propagation of the common African position in the Security Council reform negotiations.
Africa is asking for not less than two permanent seats with all the prerogatives and privileges of permanent membership including the right of veto and five non-permanent seats. In principle, Africa is opposed to the veto, but it is of the view that so long as it exists, and as a matter of , it should be made available to all permanent members of the Security Council
Sierra Leone is Chair of the African Union Committee of 10 ( C10), which is thrust with the responsibility to canvass support for and promote the African Common Position .
When he met with C-10 ambassadors later in the day at the AU Observer Mission , this message that the minister’s appearance laid down a marker was echoed by the ambassadors.
Photo credit : KABS KANU.
